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Leaving a secure job to start your own business is risky — but not impossible. The key is to make sure you're doing it for the right reasons and to build a strong support network to get you through the rocky patches.

Create a personal board of directors. These are three to five professionals who are successful in their field and you see as your mentor. They will help you with connections, advise you and help you scale your business in ways you can't imagine. I truly believe we are only as good as our five closest business connections. They drive us to do, see and be more. – Jessica Miller-Merrell, Blogging4Jobs

2. Pay Off Debt

Being an entrepreneur means not having a weekly paycheck. If you have debt, pay it off. Also, look to lower your expenses and make sure you understand the costs of things like insurance. Good financial footing will give you the ability to weather the ups and downs of starting a new venture. – Elizabeth Saunders, Real Life E

3. Don't Expect It to Be Glamorous

Quitting your job to "do your own thing" is seriously hyped up these days, and while starting your own business is truly a dream, gift and privilege, it's also going to be really difficult for a while. Contrary to what many say, doing what you love will feel like work, especially when you're getting started. Don't expect it to be easy or glamorous. That's not why you're doing this. It's because you have to. – Dave Ursillo, Lead Without Followers, LLC.